‘Ethnic outreach’ scandal could spell the end of B.C. Premier Christy Clark’s political career

Andy Radia

Canada PoliticsMarch 3, 2013

73 days.

Barring a political miracle, that's the maximum number of days left in Christy Clark's reign as premier of British Columbia — the provincial election is scheduled for May 14th.

There are reports, however, that she may not last even that long.

In response to the public outcry to the ethnic outreach scandal, Clark — at the urging of several disgruntled caucus members — has called an emergency cabinet meeting for 4 p.m (PST) on Sunday afternoon in Vancouver, according to Global News.

The scandal came to light last Wednesday when the opposition NDP revealed a 17-page multicultural outreach strategy outlining the Liberal party's plan to win ethnic votes in the May election. The report, along with a spreadsheet leaked on Friday, suggests that the party was using staff from the premier's office, other government staff and resources for crass political purposes.

Clark denied any previous knowledge of the ethnic vote plan but her deputy chief of staff, close friend and confidant Kim Haackstad stepped down over her role in the scandal on Friday.

And, while the government has apologized and announced an internal investigation, that hasn't been enough for several Liberal caucus members who have publicly criticized the premier's office about the conflict.